Column: Revitalized Surrey Eagles led by explosive top line

Jacob Bestebroer writes a weekly column during the hockey season discussing the Chilliwack Chiefs, the BCHL and goings-on around the junior A world.

For the second straight weekend the Chilliwack Chiefs will play three games in less than 48 hours.

They are in Surrey Friday to take on the Eagles before returning to home ice to take on the Nanaimo Clippers Saturday and the Cowichan Capitals Sunday.

The Eagles are a team to keep an eye on. They haven’t qualified for the playoffs since 2014 but they will be there this year. The two teams have split the season series so far with one win each. Both games were played in Surrey with Chilliwack’s win coming in overtime.

The Eagles have the most dangerous offensive line in the league. Ty Westgard lead the league in assists with 28 in 22 games and ranks third in points with 33. He had a 16 game point streak snapped last week against the Chiefs. His linemate John Wesley leads the league in goals with 20 in 21 games and ranks sixth in points with 30. The third member of that line, Desi Burgart has nine goals and 13 assists. The Eagles are just one point back of the Chiefs with a game in hand.

Saturday is Minor Hockey Night and all fans in attendance can eat as much popcorn as they want free of charge. It’s also the first game in the Chiefs Five Star Five Pack, a ticket package that includes a ticket for five different games, along with a Chiefs toque, a Chiefs bell, a $25 gift card to Mr. Mikes and a behind the scenes tour and photo op. Price of the package is just $75.

It can be purchased in person at the Prospera Centre Box Office or online. Just follow the links on the Chiefs website.

The Clippers started the season slow but have turned things around and come into this weekend with four straight wins. In those four wins forward Jake Harris had four goals, was named first star three times and was named the BCHL’s player of the week.

Another big part of their recent success is 20 year old goaltender Taz Burman. Since joining the Clippers from the Swift Current Broncos of the Western Hockey League he has six wins in eight games, a goals against average of 1.97 and a save percentage of 94.2.

It’s not an easy travel weekend for the Clippers who are in Prince George Friday and Langley Sunday afternoon. Nanaimo defeated the Chiefs 3-2 in overtime at the BCHL Showcase in September.

The Capitals are also playing three games in three days starting Friday. After stops in Salmon Arm Friday and Penticton Saturday they’ll take on the Chiefs Sunday at 2 p.m. at Prospera Centre. The Caps are struggling this season, with just two wins in their first 22 games. The player to watch for them is 19 year old goaltender Adam Marcoux. Last Sunday he made 61 saves in a 2-2 tie with the Powell River Kings.